| 2024/03/29 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – Burgersfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit of the SAPS has secured significant convictions against three rapists involved in cases of rape perpetrated against minors. The sentences were handed down separately by the Burgersfort Regional Court on 27 March 2024. During the incident that took place on 21 November 2018, in Tubatse magisterial district at Driekop, A nine-year-old girl was raped by a 56-year-old man after the victim went to his spaza shop to buy some snacks. The accused, Frank Nyama Hlongwa, gave the victim R3.00 and told her not to disclose what transpired. The accused was arrested in November 2018 after the victim’s mother opened a case about the ordeal. The accused, now aged 62, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The second incident involved the rape of two girls aged five and 10 who were raped in separate incidents by a teenage boy who was the 13 years’ of age while at their homes in Tubatse in 2021 and 2023. The other victim was dragged and raped inside a toilet while the five-year-old victim was raped at the victim’s house after he snatched her during play. The accused, who is now 17, in terms of sections 76(1)) of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 is committed to compulsory residence in a child and youth care centre at Polokwane Secure Centre for a period of four years’. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old relative in Tubatse on 01 March 2021. The victim was at her grandmother’s house when the accused dragged her to the other room and raped her. The accused then gave the victim R2,00 to buy snacks in order to silence her. The child reported the matter to the elders and the perpetrator was arrested. The two adults were remanded in custody throughout the trial proceedings. The Provincial Commissioner of police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentences. “Through diligent investigation, unwavering dedication, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the Investigating Officer Sergeant Jacob Letsatsi Mojalefa has ensured that the accused responsible for such reprehensible actions face the full might of the law,” She stated. Ends
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